My 29 gallon tank

[badgers034]

Heres some pictures of my 29 gallon nano tank/cube whatever you want to call it. I just converted it from a freshwater to saltwater today!

9/17/06
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01357.jpg

9/17/06
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01356.jpg

As you can see the tank is cloudy. I have a sterilized corona bottle in the middle, a plastic plant on the left, and a crappy cave thing in the back middle. All of these will be taken out as soon as I get my LR. They are just in there so I can see how much clearer my tank gets.

[sir_dudeguy]

lol cant even see them as it is! :)

[Mchllmarsh]

Good luck!

[fantastic4]

post updates, following thread. What is your equipment list?

[badgers034]

Equipment list:
*Old Bio-wheel 280
*A simple hang-on heater (Planning on upgrading to Visi-therm Stealth)
*Azoo PowerSweep powerhead Model 214
*Instant Ocean Salt
*Deep Six Hydrometer
*Basic Flourescent Lights.

Now, I was thinking, can I use aluminum foil where a reflector for a flourescent light should go?? What Im saying is that can I use tinfoil to reflect light off of?? I mean, I dont think it would help that much, but it wouldnt hurt right?? Here are some more pictures of the tank today:

9/18/06
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01361.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01360.jpg

As you can see, Im not a great photographer... Anyways, I got the salt at the correct salinity (about 1.023) according to my Deep Six, which are known for being inaccurate. Well, its all I got for now. I will be adding LR sometime this week hopefully, but for now, these are all the pictures I can take, not much more I can take a picture of.

[sir_dudeguy]

i tried the aluminum foil when i had freshwater. To be honest..it made no difference. I tried it on both sides (one is duller than the other) and it didnt relaly do anything.

cool corona bottle tho :) that'd look pretty cool w/ like coraline and stuff all over it (not to meantion corals :) )

If i wasnt gonna try and make my tank look as natural as possible, i'd be half tempted to leave the bottle in and see how it looks a year from now lol. But then again...i suppose nowadays a beer bottle out in the bottom of the ocean isnt too uncommon w/all the people throwin stuff out there...so in a way i guess it could be "natural" lol

[Nimmie]

I've heard on some planted tank boards that white paint works as a good reflector for flourescents, i.e., paint the part where a reflector would go bright white and it's supposed to reflect quite well.

[badgers034]

Yea, the Corona bottle may or may not stay. I have a feeling that it would look really good, but I am not sure if I want to stick with it as I am trying to make this tank look as natural as possible... We'll see.

[sir_dudeguy]

ya thats what i always like to do with my tanks. Make them look like you would see it out in the ocean as much as possible. But like i say, i might try that carona bottle some day lol. I saw a local guys tank and he had one of those plastic scuba diver dudes that have the bubbles coming out their heads...it was completley covered in coraline (different colors too) and he had a little piece of gsp on his head so it looked like he had hair lol. I guess he just cut the gsp if it grew at all (or let the guy grow his hair out :) )

[badgers034]

That diver sounds like it looked pretty cool.

[badgers034]

I did the tinfoil today, and it slightly improved my lighting. (I think, or maybe I just THINK it did, so my mind is tricked into thinking is better, if you know what I mean). Well, I am going to get some LR HOPEFULLY tomorrow. And some base rock. I am thinking about getting about a pound of LR, and about 10 lbs of base rock just to get me started. I am on a limited budget, so I am trying to make this as cheap as possible.

[badgers034]

9/21/'06

I am going to get some Live Rock at the LFS today:beer:. I will mostlikely get some Lace Rock. Will post pictures.

[ReefArtist]

I do like the bottle. My friends want me to get a plastic shark that has bubbles, I just look at them :thumbdown

[chocolateblnt]

I'm at work and now you've made me want a corona ... I hate you! ;)

Oh and take out that plastic garbage in the tank including that rock ... you've converted to saltwater ... remember?! It's just gonna get disgusting anyway once you hit your algae cycles ...

Live Rock I know you're looking for so get that a.s.a.p. ... a pound is like nothing but whatever seeds the tank with more bene-bacteria.

If you're going low budget you need to at least get some PC lights and also a canister filter ... that light won't penetrate past a few inches even though you'll see light at the bottom of the tank. The canister filter will help you with much needed filtration since you won't have much seeded LR.

Once your cycle is done ... Add fish S L O W ... and until you get proper lighting don't even think about coral :p

Good Luck!

[badgers034]

Ok, thanks. Well, I didnt get my LR today... I went to the LFS today and had them check my salinity. Well according to their refractometer it was 1.028. So he told me to get my salinity correct and come back tomorrow or another day. Well, I took about 5 gallons out and added freshwater. I will see what my salinity is tomorrow.

[deeplove]

Leave the bottle. It should give the fish some entertainment.

;)

Maybe you can give them a bottle that's half way full...

Rhumba!!!

[badgers034]

Well, I got my salinity down to about 1.20, which is good. I will mostlikely get some LR today. But, you never know how things go. If I do, I will take pictures.

[badgers034]

Oh, yeah, about that cave and plant. I used the cave kinda as a marker of what I can see when my tank was real cloudy. Same thing with the plant. They are both out of the tank now. PC lights and corals are definately in my future, once I get a handle on things. Of course, lighting first, then corals.

[badgers034]

9/22/'06
Got some Live Rock today, 2 pounds worth. Probably some time this weekend I will get base rock. I want to get some of that kind of base-rock from the thread "smiths 10 gallon ghetto tank" or something like that. I know it isnt that much LR, but its kinda just to get the cycle going and get things started.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01376.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01374.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01373.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01372.jpg

Now, a few questions. How Long should I leave the lights on for?? Do I need special lighting to keep the LR alive and thriving? Do I need special lighting for coraline algae to grow??

[badgers034]

Also, do I need to "feed" the tank to encourage it to cycle?? If so, how much food??

[aclos3]

With the small amount of LR there, you shouldn't need to "feed it" to get it to cycle. That LR should be able to start your cycle on its own. When I get a new tank going, I always try to seed it with either LR from an established tank or some other gunk. Like rubble / goop from a sump. Its nasty stuff, but it WILL get the cycle going.

[ReefArtist]

Your tank is looking really good - keep up the good work. I have to tell you I did put just a little pinch of food in mine to help it cycle. I'm really not sure if it did anything but it made me feel like I was part of it :D

[badgers034]

Yea, I think that I will just put a pinch of food in there. I do wanna be part of it. Just a little pinch is all I will put in. My tank looks the same as yesterday. When do you think my first algae bloom will come?? I have a cheap small PC on the LR for until I get a true PC setup.

[badgers034]

Ok, well either today or tomorrow, I am going to go get some "base-rock" Now, is this just low-end LR, or is it a non-living rock. What kind of rock is it?? Thats what is confusing me. Is it Limestone?? Lace Rock?? Lava Rock??

[sir_dudeguy]

base rock is non living. Completely dry rock. theres places online that sell base rock for like 2 bucks a pound (the 2 main buisinesses just went out of work it seems tho...)
But i'd just rinse it off really good before putting it in the tank.

[badgers034]

Ok, kool. and What are your views on feeding the tank?? I kinda want to, but I dont want to mess anything up.

[ReefArtist]

Well not that this is the thing to do, but I just used some of my fresh water food. Remember it was just a pinch to see what would happen.

[badgers034]

Thats exactly what I already did. I cant see it hurting the tank at all.

[sir_dudeguy]

adding flake wont cause any problems. It could start a weak spike that might get the cycle going, but it just might not be enough...hard to say. Oh, and it doesnt matter if its freshwater food or saltwater...either one will cause amonia to spike. you could also pee in the tank to get the cycle started, but idk who in their right minds would do that lol. But it does work.

[Mistamurray]

thanks for that, i actually laughed out loud at that one!:P, Great tank, im just about to get some salt water in my 29 gal too!

[badgers034]

but idk who in their right minds would do that lol.
Actually, on a freshwater forum, I heard of a person doing that. He said that his biology teacher told him that it would work. lol. Anyways, I dod some better aquascaping with some lava-rock as my makeshift base-rock. Will lava -rock hurt my tank at all?? Anyways, I will take some pictures now, and take some more pictures when I get the better flourescent.

[Pico Keeper]

No one has mentioned this, but I'm going too.

You really need more live rock, alot more! I wouldn't even bother trying to cycle a 30 gallon with only 2lbs of rock. If you add rock at a later date (especially uncured) you will incur another cycle. There is definately not enough rock in there to filter the water. Add some base rock, but get atleast 10 more lbs of live rock.

[badgers034]

Oh, yeah I do have some base-rock in ther that I forgot to mention. I just put it in there about 2 days ago. Its tufa-rock, about maybe 10 lbs not too sure.

[badgers034]

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01384.jpg
Right Side

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01383.jpg
Left Side

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01382.jpg
Again, left side.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01381.jpg
Right to left.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01380.jpg
Whole tank.

Now, what kind of rock is the new stuff I added on the right side. I got it kinda set up so, the new rock is on the bottom, and the LR is on the top so the new rock gets seeded. Every once in a while, a bubble will come out if the new rock, so I think that its like maybe a worm of some sort, or some kind of "pod" in there moving around. You think so??

[badgers034]

[EDIT] "Now, what kind of rock is the new stuff I added on the right side."
^^^Should be LEFT side

[badgers034]

Comments???

[Henry22]

That base is kinda ugly, how much is your liverock. Mine was 8 and I got 17lbs fiji and 3 lbs live base(not cool shapes) for 3$ a lbs. Just spend the money on nice Live Rock. I would order like 45 lbs online. Alot of places have good deals on liverock.

[mister crabs]

depending on where ur located try searching different forums, craigslist, and maybe even your local newspaper for someone getting out of the hobby so u can get rock cheap. also....dont go with the canister filter.....probable nitrate trap unless you want to clean it every couple of days. Look around the forum to find a thread where a aquaclear 70 or 110 HOB filter is modded into a refugium. It will help ur water stay stable since it looks like you wont be using a sump. Plus it will give you added flow and a place to hide your heater. just my .02

[badgers034]

I am definately seriously thinking about doing the AC 110 modded into a fuge. I saw a sweet one the other day on here that I really liked. And, yea my base roc is pretty ugly, but Im hoping that some corraline algae will grow on it and cover it all up.

[badgers034]

Well, I got some more base-rock. It kinda looks purple. I like it, but I dont like how my 2 different colored rocks kinda clash with eachother... As you can see, I cant aquascape for crap.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01395.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01396.jpg
left side.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01397.jpg
right side.

[badgers034]

And be Honest. I dont care if you tell me it sux. Just tell me what you think and give suggestions.

[badgers034]

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01405.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01402.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01401.jpg

I accidentally had my finger over the flash. I kinda thought they looked pretty cool. Well I posted them anyway.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01400.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01399.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01398.jpg

[sir_dudeguy]

you're getting the hang of the aquascaping already :) keep up the good work :)

The new look really makes a difference imo. You've got more open sand, which looks nicer. And you've given the tank somewhat more height than what it had before. Another thing i like doing is taking the bigger pieces and making bridge type things with them...idk...you just kinda have to play with it till you get it how you like. Also, in a few months the lace will turn purple from the coraline, so it will look much necer just from that.

[MarineGirl411]

Hi,
I'd take the Corona bottle out. How did you sanitize it? =/ Also, I don't know why anyone hasn't said anything, but using Aluminum Foil is supposed to be a fire hazard. I read that a long time ago on a Cichlids forum. I've heard they sell reflectors at Home Depot. I'd try that or paint the inside of the light hood white. That is what I've read. What kind of tank are you going for here? It doesn't suck. Just wondering what you'd like to keep in it.

[badgers034]

Thank you both.

You've got more open sand, which looks nicer.
Yes, that is what I am going for. Eventually I will try to hide the little rubble that is near my corona bottle.



I'd take the Corona bottle out. How did you sanitize it? =/
SCOLDING hot water. Not boiling, but VERY hot. I dont think it will do much. I mean its only glass. And I had it in my tank a month prior to turning it into a saltwater tank. I had convicts in it and they bred (which is very common if you know anything about convicts.) The fry always survived (at least a month, then it was feeding time for my 125 cichlid tank.) There were never any unusual deaths. All my fish always seemed healthy. So, I am not gonna worry about it that much.



Aluminum Foil is supposed to be a fire hazard
Yes, I realized that about a week ago. I was thinking that metal was a good conductor of electricity. And I have a form of metal near my flouescent lghts. I figured I would rather have dimmer lights than start a fire.



What kind of tank are you going for here?
FOWLR for now. But in about maybe 6 months, I am going to try some of the easier corals. I am also planning to upgrade my NO flourescent light bulb, to a dual PC fixture. so I will be going from 20 watts to about 135-150 watts. I think that there will be a BIG difference.

[tmfreak]

looks good! You should try some compact flourescents in that hood! theyre extremely cheaper then a whoel set but its not for me to decide!

awesome bottle.. lol

[badgers034]

It is always a thought. But I do like the thought of having fans, 2 different switches, and 2 lunar lights built in. Ill definately think about it though.

[badgers034]

Well, I am thinking of what I am going to eventually put into here. Now, what should I put into it first (about 2-3 weeks down the line.) I was thinking of 1 of these three combinations:

1. 2 Ocellaris Clownfish.
2. 1 Ocellaris, and 1 bicolor blenny.
3. 1 Ocellaris, and 1 Goby (undecided of what kind of goby, possibly a yellow watchman.)

[badgers034]

anyone??

[RFC]

I also have a 29G that is 6 months old. My first two fish were clowns. If your goal is to ultimately have 2 clowns in your tank, I have read it is best to add them both at the same time.

Your tank is looking good. Keep us updated on your progress

[badgers034]

RFC, I saw your thread about your 29 gallon tank. Its amazing to say the least.

[natep206]

ok so i think you could make the rock work alot better. try to make caves and arch ways that always looks good. and an idea to make the bottle (which i think is awsome) a little more itresteing is put it on either side of the tank in the frint and angle it so the top is touching the glass and the bottom is like maybe 2 inches away from the glass

in the end it should look something like this sorry the picture was sloppy i only had like 5 minutes

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a106/natep2o6/10gal.jpg

[badgers034]

Yea, I am not really all that happy with my rockwork. I will defintaely try something like that. BUt, for that to look good in my tank, I definately need more rock.

[badgers034]

Well, it has been a long time since i updated this thread. Alot has happened since then. The main thing, is that I watned a place to hold macroalgae so that fish cant eat it, and it to get a nicce slow flow. Now, I didnt want to mod an AC110 into a fuge, because I wanted to be able to control my flow from a return pump.
So here is what I did:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/newplanfortank.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/sideview.jpg

My return Pump (296 GPH)
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01420.jpg

[badgers034]

Water enters the box through the holes:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01428.jpg

Goes through the middle of the box where my Chaeto will be:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01429.jpg

Flows through a wall with holes and is pumped back to my tank:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01430.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01431.jpg

[badgers034]

Aquscaped:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01432.jpg

After 2 days, notice the new return line on the left side:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01433.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01438.jpg

The rocks on the left have little white things coming out of them that look like real thin plant stems. I am not sure but I believe they have aiptasia, so they are separated fomr the rest of my rocks. But, then again, I am not positive, because they are not in a flower pattern like the aiptasia in the aiptasia thread in the new to the hobby forum. If they do have aiptasia, how do I get rid of it?? Should I go out and buy Joe's Juice, or squirt them with boiling water.
Also, I am sure you can see that i am very bad at aquascaping... Any ideas on how to spruce it up?? I will be getting more base rock tomorrow to try to make things look better on the left side.
Also, I am going to get 2 pounds of good quality LR tomorrow , becasue I have not seen one "pod" yet. I am starting to believe that they do not exist in my tank...
Another thing on my shopping list for tomorrow is Cuprisorb copper remover. I have treated this tank before when it was freshwater with a product called Aquarisol: A copper ich medication. And, when I switched over to saltwater, I decided to be cheap, and use the same substrate from when it was freshwater. Well, the substrate was only in my tnak for about a week, so I think only a minute amount leached out into my LR. Also, that was part of the reason I took all my LR and put it in the 20H so it would be easier to remove the substrate. This Cuprisorb stuff claims that over time, it will remove all the copper from the tank, even the minute amounts that leach out fomr the LR and substrate.
Well, tell me waht you think. :)

[LionfishFinatic]

ok, for your aquascaping delema you should follow the diagram above. i would take corona bottle out but thats my opinion. or maybe a big U shaped but don't just put a big pile of rocks in there. think of putting shelf-like structures to support your corals. as for the aiptasia i would either buy joes juice or squirt lemon or lime juice on them. what kind of lighting do you have? here are some threads i am getting my aquascaping ideas from.
1)Nano Tank Of the month entries (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=949703)(must read!!)
2)
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=920610 ( very cool tank)

hope this helps,
Lionfishfinatic :smokin:

[badgers034]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8454562#post8454562 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LionfishFinatic
ok, for your aquascaping delema you should follow the diagram above. i would take corona bottle out but thats my opinion. or maybe a big U shaped but don't just put a big pile of rocks in there. think of putting shelf-like structures to support your corals. what kind of lighting do you have? here are some threads i am getting my aquascaping ideas from.
1)Nano Tank Of the month entries (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=949703)(must read!!)
2)
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=920610 ( very cool tank)

hope this helps,
Lionfishfinatic :smokin:

Ok, thanks for the advice. Those threads are awesome, and RFC's tank is super sweet. I am definately going to TRY and model my aquascaping off of that. Well, I am going to get more rock tonight, so that will definately help me with my aquascaping adventure.

[badgers034]

pics will come up later on tonight.

[roushboy2857]

Looks well under way, good luck.

[badgers034]

Well, I have some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that I am not going to use that box (in-tank-fuge) in my tank because it was too big and limited my aquascaping.
The good news is that I have
1. Gotten a new fish
2. Have more flow because of the pump from the in-tank fuge
3. Got more LR, and finally aquascaped my tank to my liking.

Now, I want to have some chaeto, so I am going to mod an AC into a fuge, which seems easier to do. Also, here are some pictures of the fish and the new aquascaping:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01448.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01445.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01449.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01450.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01451.jpg



And here are some without the flash, and IMO, they look 100 times better.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01453.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01454.jpg

Well, tell me what you think.

[alien9168]

Wow :)

This tank looks like its really starting to come together :)
Nice work with the aquascaping :)

[badgers034]

Alien,
Thanks for the compliment. I am just glad that I have finally found an aquascaping layout that I like.

[badgers034]

bump.

[alien9168]

No problem :)

Its good that you like it...thats what really matters anyway :)

[LionfishFinatic]

great job!!! RFC's tank is the best 29 gallon I have seen in a while and I loved how he aquascaped. and i definitely like how you aquascaped your as well tank. so far so good!!! keep it up and keep us updated!!!
Lionfishfinatic :smokin:

[BCreefmaker]

agreed, the new land scape looks much better then any of the previous attepmpts, a little bit more LR to finish hiding the pipe and your tank will look really natural. p.s. lol nice fire fish :D he adds lots of charachter. keep up the good work!

[alien9168]

is any of that lr?
if not...buy one nice sized piece... and stick it in there...

If you decide to do that, it wont be long before the other rocks get coverend in coraline and work the same way lr does... especially if your rock is porous :)

[badgers034]

No new updates as of today. I am dosing Nano-reef Parts A+B by Kent Marine: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12804&Ntt=nano%20reef%20pars%20a%20and%20b&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2004&Nty=1
Does anyone have any information on this product?? I have not heard any negative reviews on it, and it was on sale at my LFS for 5 bucks, so I got it. I figured that it would not hurt anything, because i do not have any corals in my tank. My next living thing for this tank will be a coral, and that will be about in a week or two, mostlikely two. I am getting the Current T5 fixture, so suggest an easy coral that will live under those lights.

LionfishFanatic:
RFC's tank is the coolest nano, IMO. And thanks for the compliment

BC Reef:
Thanks for the compliment on the firefish. He is really cool and does add alot of character to my tank. He is kinda my "guinea pig" fish that I will learn things from. I wont get another fish for a while. I am going to get new lights in about 2 weeks, so I am going to concentrate on corals before I get another fish.Also, I will probably get some more LR to hide that pump, but I was thinking that I wanted to have access to the pump, would I ever need access?

Alien:
I have some LR chunks in there. About 2 lb's. But I am planning on getting another 2 lb's of cured premium LR from one of my LFs to gert all sorts of living stuff in there. My current LR is pretty boring...

[badgers034]

PS when I was re-aquascaping, I took the Corona bottle out... :( The paint was starting to come off, and i didnt want it to leach anything into my tank.

[alien9168]

Glad to hear you took the bottle out... i was kinda woried about that...
also...dont wory...if you have lr in there...over time it will all become live rock--(if its porous rock) this is the technique i used in my 30 cube
b/c i could justify spending all my money on lr, if i could just be pashient for a month or two...

but the more you add.. the quicker the process will go :)

[BCreefmaker]

yeah you might need to get in there to clean it, it could get alot of gunk build up or something like that, you never know with custom set ups what thier going to do untill you test them. and i know alot of people say once they move the LR a bit they can never get it to look the same, i guess once you get the hang of aquascaping in a style you like you will feel more comfotable to move things around knowing if you cant get it back close you can make something else nice.

[badgers034]

Yea, I am nervous now to touch any rocks. Because Rocks on the left side can indirectly affect rocks on the right if you know what I mean. I am just going to leave it in there. I figure taht the pipe will be purple with corraline soon, so it wont stick out that bad.

[GSMguy]

you wont have that kind of coraline anytime soon you dont have enough live rock and you have poor lights oh well we will see how it comes out a 29 is in no way cheap to run here are pics of mine
http://web.mac.com/nggrant/iWeb/Nicks%20tanks%20and%20pets/tank%20shots.html

[badgers034]

GSMguy
I am going to get beter lighting in about a week. Current Nova 24" T5 fixture. I know its not the best, but I am trying to keep the cost down. I am going to eventually buy individual reflectors for it, so that will make it better. I would really like to go with the TEK fixture, but I do not want to spend all of that money.

[GSMguy]

the t5s are nice for softies and **** you still need more live rock for all you know the two pounds you put in there all died off and will not seed anythink i reccomend you buy a lil more and some live sand out of an established tank

[badgers034]

Why would my LR die off??

[BCreefmaker]

dude its gunna take forever for coraline to cover that pipe in your tanks current set up, just because your rock looks like it needs to be covered first :P. i know if you want it to go faster you just need good lights and to supplement calcium. unless your really set on that kind of rock you should consider a diffrent source for your next batch of LR cuz that stuff its kinda bare if you know what i mean. every batch is diffrent, but iv never seen LR that bare. did it come like that or with lots of die off or what?

[GSMguy]

as the tank cycles some things on the liverock will die it will take a long time to bring them back

[badgers034]

Ok, so what are you suggesting?? Theres a LFS with some really nice LR, so should I go there and get a few pounds of there LR? I really dont want to spend alot of money on LR, but I definately do want corraline algae, so what do you suggest?? I am willing to wait it out if it takes a while.

[GSMguy]

i suggest going and getting as much live rock as possible even rubble which is cheap like 2 dollars a pound is fine coraline growth is nice but it really only takes hold after a few months

[badgers034]

Ok, I am probably going to just do my original plan. I dont want to spend alot of money on LR. The PVC pipe doesnt really bother me now. How long do you think it will be before I get rocks covered in corraline, and that pipe covered in corraline?? I was thinking 6 months to a year.

[GSMguy]

my tank has never sat without being moved for over a few months but i would say many months 6 to 8 until you have a good amount it takes years to get those sweet 2mm thick slabs of it

[GSMguy]

what are you planning for lights

[badgers034]

Current Nova 24" T5 fixture. I am probably going to get it this weekend. I know T5 is useless without individual reflectors, and I am going to get them later on. I am hoping to originally do some easier low light corals to get a hang of things before I move on to the harder, more light demanding ones.
Here is a link to the light I am planning on getting:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12772&N=2004+113175

[GSMguy]

nice i like that light you can make individual reflectors t5s are nice

[BCreefmaker]

you sohuld pick up a few pounds of LR that has more coraline then what you have now even if it does cost a little more... when i got my LR some peices were half covered in coraline.

[GSMguy]

my girlfriend made me pick out all purple peices i thank her now

[badgers034]

nice i like that light you can make individual reflectors t5s are nice

Yea, I would have rather have gone with the Tek Fixture, but IMO too much money. Would I be able to keep LPS under this light??

you sohuld pick up a few pounds of LR that has more coraline then what you have now even if it does cost a little more... when i got my LR some peices were half covered in coraline.

Yea, that is what I am going to do this weekend.

my girlfriend made me pick out all purple peices i thank her now

LOL. "Get the pretty purple ones."

[badgers034]

GSMguy, can you post some pictures of your 29G reef?

[GSMguy]

it is too difficult to post on reef central and until they "Get the net" and make it easier all i can do is link you to my webpage for my pets there are links at the top of my page to all the different pages here you go i have had a variety of lights i now have two 175watt bulbs in anticipation of the new 50 gallon some of these pics are under a 30 inch current powercompact and some of them a 14k mh and some two metal halide one 10k one 14


tank shots (http://web.mac.com/nggrant/iWeb/Nicks%20tanks%20and%20pets/tank%20shots.html) tell me what you think

[GSMguy]

older shots (http://web.mac.com/nggrant/iWeb/Nicks%20tanks%20and%20pets/older%20Tank%20photos%20.html)

[GSMguy]

?

[GSMguy]

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_2110.jpg

[badgers034]

Nice pictures. how many fish are in your 29?

[badgers034]

And hows that mandarin doing?? Does he eat prepared foods??

[GSMguy]

too many fish in my 29 i have 2 goldmaroonclowns 1 scooter blenny a potters angel and a spotted hawk i am moving it all into the 50 gallon any day now
unfortunatly the cover came off my maxi jet an took the mandarin from me he ate cyclops and brene and baby brine

[badgers034]

Nice. I am eventually going to get a 40 Breeder. (by eventually I mean, about 1-2 years down the line). The 29 will be my learning tank so I can get the hang of things. Can you suggest a good skimmer that I dont need a sump for and is reliable, effective, yet not alot of money?

[GSMguy]

i did allot of reasearch i think 40 br is overrated the tank that is really slept on it the all glass 50gal its 36x18x18 im cycling mine now

[LionfishFinatic]

ok i was gonna go Nova but i was convinced not to. here is my thread on T-5's and a couple more in there. try looking on reefgeek and get either the 4-24watt HO unit or the 2-24 watt retrofit kit. here are some of the links.
ReefGeek (http://www.reefgeek.com/)
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=956305

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8548081#post8548081 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by badgers034
Nice. I am eventually going to get a 40 Breeder. (by eventually I mean, about 1-2 years down the line). The 29 will be my learning tank so I can get the hang of things. Can you suggest a good skimmer that I dont need a sump for and is reliable, effective, yet not alot of money?
i have the aquac remora skimmer which does a fine job i think after christmas im going to get the new deltec HOB the MCE 300 that looks like the ultimate Hang on filter and its made by deltec they are a great company with exellent customer service i have never dealt with aquac because there skimmers work good and are easy to use so for the 29 remora or deltec will both work some like the coralife super skimmer i think it looks junky just my opinion oh and yea i think the T-5 units are cool and all but a 175 watt metal halide can be found for around 200 dollars and that would be much nicer light

[badgers034]

Ok, cool. I think im gonna go get that skimmer. And I already put the order in for the lights,

[GSMguy]

to get that skimmer go to the deltec usa website or their sponsor thread on reef central they are running out and next shipment is after christmas if you get it let me know well i upgraded to the 50 today and here is a pichttp://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4246.jpghttp://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4229.jpghttp://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4231.jpg

[badgers034]

Nice looking tank. Doesnt guite look like a 50. Can you post a picture with like a quarter next to it for size comparison?? Also, can you take a side shot so I can see the depth of the tank. That seems like nice dimensions.

[badgers034]

PS. I really like the look of the two "island" like structures.

[badgers034]

YIKES! that skimmer is way out of my price range... It does look nice though. Any skimmer suggestions under $150??

[GSMguy]

lol yea i would say aquac remora with maxijet 1200http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4256.jpgside shothttp://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4267.jpghttp://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4258.jpghttp://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4229.jpg

[badgers034]

Thats a really nice looking tank. I am getting my lights today along with some other stuff hopefully. I will be sure to take pictures.

[badgers034]

Thats a really nice looking tank. I am getting my lights today along with some other stuff hopefully. I will be sure to take pictures.

[GSMguy]

take pics here are my new friends two rodonyx clownshttp://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4377.jpg
this is their thread
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=974103

[AVALover5498]

Pretty crazy picture placement.:hmm4:

[badgers034]

yea, canyou please try to put them one below the other. They are nice pics, and nice clowns.

[GSMguy]

our browsers must work differntly i didnt realize that it was happening

[CPT. MURPHY]

WOW very cool tank!

CPT.

[badgers034]

I got my new lights today:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01460.jpg
Actinics only

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01461.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01463.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01465.jpg
10K only

I took a picture with both on, but it didnt turn out right. I will get another tomorrow. I am very pleased with the lights. IMO, they look real good. Now that I have the lights, I am planning on going reef. Whats me next step?? I have a pH test kit. I know I need an Alkalinity and Calcium test kit. I know I need to drip Kalk. I am working on that. I also know that I need to supplement Alkalinity and test for both. Also, any suggestions for a good beginner coral?? I was thinking a frogspawn?? yes or no??

[badgers034]

Also, I have a question. What should I do for filtration?? I am lightly stocked so I am not considering a skimmer for now. But, currently I have no filtration at all. All I have is LR, 2 powerheads and LR. I know the LR can do biological filtration, but I want more then that. Would it be a good idea to mod an AC into a fuge?? Would it be necessary??

[EDIT]
BTW, I do bi-weekly 4 gallon water changes.

[GSMguy]

nice man finnally the lights so check this out when you add coral take off that glass top they really cut down of the light and the open top is good for oxygen cut down on the water changes 4gallons aweek your tank is reall not fully cycled yet but you could try an easy coral like a green star polyp or some zoanthids start slow

[badgers034]

Ok, thanks. When I get my first coral, I will take off the glass hood. Also, what should I do for a hood on my tank if I take off the glass?? Eggcrate?? I would be worried about my firefish jumping out.
GSMguy, you have been very helpful (THANK YOU), but can you please use punctuation? It would really make your posts alot easier to understand and read.

[GSMguy]

ha lol i usually dont use puntuation, but i guess i can try. I would consider eggcrate. I have read it doesnt cut down on par. so have you thought about a skimmer? the other thing that would work is a cheato fuge maybee an aquaclear mod. i just made one for my 20L

[badgers034]

Yea, I was thinking an AC modded into a fuge. I stil have to finds a way for me to get my lights above the tank. I think I am going to use brackets.

[GSMguy]

didnt the light come with the brackets?

[badgers034]

Nope. I am going to get brackets like for shelves and drill them to the wall where the back of my tank is, and either place the light on them, or hang it somehow.

[badgers034]

Heres some updated pictures:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01471.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01467.jpg

Sorry for the crappy pictures, but you get the point. I have algae. Are those diatoms or dinos?? (please say diatoms, and its completely natural, and my tnak is just cycling.) I have heard Dinos are terrible, so I am hoping that its diatoms.

[miniz2k6]

are you the one responsible for polluting our oceans........j/k lol

[badgers034]

????? Not too sure what was meant by that last reply. Anyways, what type of cleanup crew do you suggest?? I was thinking just Ceriths, Astreas, and Nassarius. But how many of each type??

[badgers034]

bump.

[LionfishFinatic]

probably all sanils above, 2 emerald mythrax crabs, some scarlet hermits, some kind of shrimp like a cleaner, a couple of peppermints, or some fire shrimps and maybe a sandsifter of some sort? maybe even some mexican turbos snails. not sure how many of each type but you can go on manywebsites to check out how many they sell in their packages to get a general idea.

[badgers034]

Ok, thanks. Well, I have been bombarded with birthday cards and basically have $175 to spend?? What should I get?

[badgers034]

I was thinking
Coralife Super Skimmer: 87.99
AC110 (for fuge) 44.99 Or shpuld I go with the 70??
And m cleanup crew, and the test kits and supplements needed to keep a coral (suggestions needed) and a frag

[badgers034]

Would the skimmer be able to keep nitrates down?? Because everytime I test I seem to have a slight nitrate problem.

[alien9168]

that skimmer works wonders .... especially for the price...i have the css65 on my cube and its working great (not to jinx myself or anything)

Go with the 110 for the fuge...or the bigest you can get...

OR...

look at lighting.

[badgers034]

Ok, thanks Alien. I did just get a Current Nova 24" HO T5 96W fixture, so I am set on lighting. I know its not the greatest light fixture, but I like it so far. Ok, now for some more questions:
1. Does a skimmer help to keep nitrates down, or would I need a fuge??
2. I am planning on getting a coral sometime this week (probably zoa's, or a frogspawn.) Now, what do I need to do as far as adding supplements, testing, etc.?? I know I need to drip Kalk to keep my Calcium up. And I know I need to get a Ca test kit. What else do I need to dose/test for??
3. Also, when I drip Kalk, how do I go about doing that?? I was thinking of keeping a big gatorade bottle filled with Kalk and water over my tank on a shelf and slowly dripping it in. Is this a good idea??

[DarkXerox]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8614830#post8614830 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by badgers034
I was thinking
Coralife Super Skimmer: 87.99
AC110 (for fuge) 44.99 Or shpuld I go with the 70??
And m cleanup crew, and the test kits and supplements needed to keep a coral (suggestions needed) and a frag

I got the Coralife CSS65 also and it really is the best bang for buck with this size tank. However, if I ever see a used Deltec MC500 from one of my friends, I probably will upgrade that. But even the Coralife is working fine for my SPS.

[Paladin]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8623590#post8623590 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by badgers034
1. Does a skimmer help to keep nitrates down, or would I need a fuge??
2. What else do I need to dose/test for??
3. I was thinking of keeping a big gatorade bottle filled with Kalk and water over my tank on a shelf and slowly dripping it in. Is this a good idea??

1. Do both, if you can. Harvesting macroalgae in the fuge should help in conjunction with your skimmer.
2. Get a refractometer to measure salinity.
3. That sounds fine. I drip kalk using Kent's Aquadose, which is pretty much the same thing.

[alien9168]

i mean... it depends how many corals you have and what you wish to keep...for a few zoos and frogspawn...your weekly water changes might handel their needs...

if you want to add alot of corals...dose whatever you need.


I curently dose kent liquid reactor, iodine, and strontium.
but i only dose them when my levels are low. :)

Just play around with it....zoos are very hardy ... so play around with them and see what works best :)

thats the best advice i can give :)

[badgers034]

Darkxerox
Thanks for the reply. i will hopefully be putting the order out for my CSS 65 tonight.

Paladin
Ok, thanks. I already have a refractometer, but I dont think I will get a fuge. I will see how it goes with the skimmer only.

Alien
Ok, cool. I will dose for them. I will also upgrade my salt from IO to Reef-Crystals.

[GSMguy]

good luck on the tank, i noticed you decided against a fuge i think that a fuge would almost do more good or as much as a skimmer for you i have two skimmers on my 50 gall and a aquaclear 70 mod fuge with some LR rubble and stuffed with cheato on my 20 gallon and its awsome the tank has zero nuscance algae my lil fish like the constant supply of pods and the water is very clear i have just started with this fuge its my first. Even if you dont do one now a fuge will make a great upgrade later on down the line any new pics or is the tank the same? get any corals yet

[badgers034]

GSMguy
Yea, I was debating between the two, but I just ordered the CSS 65, and from what I hear, I think I will be more than happy with it. Also, later on down the line, I do think that a fuge would be a good addition. I'm still kinda thinking about trying to design a small in-tank fuge. I still have the acrylic laying around. I dunno, just kinda brainstorming at this point. Also, my tank is the same. Nothing really all that new. Diatoms are almost gone and some green algae is moving in...? I kinda think that it is GHA, but I dont want to be pessimistic. Here is a picture of what I believe is GHA:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01476.jpg
Yes, I know, terrible picture. But what do you expect from a terrible camera. I think we will be getting a new one for christmas. Anyways, you can see the green spot at the top of the picture.

Heres an FTS:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01473.jpg


Edited for spelling .

[badgers034]

Bump.

[GSMguy]

arghh is that the new light on there where are the mounting legs will they even fit did you buy the 30inch version

[badgers034]

Yes, that is the new light.
The mounting legs are not being used.
No, they will not fit.
There was no 30 inch version.
Yes, I know that having the light placed on the hood isnt good.
And, yes, I am going to place it higher.
I am going to do this by buying brackets made for shelves, and placing the light on them over my tank. I will then remove the hood, and put eggcrate on.

[GSMguy]

ok good thing you know what your doing. I have the 30 inch current powercompact on my 20l and i actually have some sps doing well in there i dont even use the acrylic sheild that covers the bulbs i dont like anything to interupt the light transmission even eggcrate, but in your case i think the one fish you have is a jumper.

P.S. i suck at punctuation and may have to start run ons again

[badgers034]

Yea, I think that eggcrate will be a must. I got a CSS65 yesterday, and I like it alot. It is already pulling out a nicely colored skimmate. I will take a picture of the skimmate and an updated FTS tomorrow. Also, with the CSS65, the thing I dont like is that now there is alot of equipment in the tank... It kinda seems that the equipment is the focal point of the tank. Any ideas on how to hide this?? Do you think it will be less-noticeable after everything is covered in corraline?? Also, my corraline is growing at a nice steady rate. I expect this to pick up once I start dripping kalk.

[badgers034]

Also, on your 20L how do you deal with evaporation?? I was thinking that my kalk drip will double as my ATO. I think that if I set it to a slow drip that it would be good. Do you think I am right or wrong?

[GSMguy]

i pour water in every day on both my tanks

[badgers034]

I see. Do you think that my idea would work??

[Paladin]

I do a kalk drip for my 29g that also replaces the evap water, but for my 12g and 7g, I just pour in fresh water daily.

[LionfishFinatic]

Also, with the CSS65, the thing I dont like is that now there is alot of equipment in the tank... It kinda seems that the equipment is the focal point of the tank. Any ideas on how to hide this??

A sump would work for this. and any updates on the tank lately?

[badgers034]

Not really any new updates. Besides the skimmer, nothing really new happened. Tomorrow I am HOPEFULLY going to go to the LFS to buy:
1. Kalk.
2. Ca test
3. Alk Test (is it necerssary??)
4. A Zoa frag

[badgers034]

Today I got the brackets, and put the light on it. I didnt get a chance to make it to the LFS... Pictures are going to soon come up.

[GSMguy]

cool cant wait for thepics with the bracket should make a big difference

[badgers034]

I definately like the bracket alot. I added a shelf at the top for storage, and to make the bracket mounting thing more practical. I will also put another shelf between the two to put my gatorade bottle on to drip kalk. (Still havent got to the LFS... Ill go either tomorrow or monday. One of those days for SURE. (I think.) Anyways, here are the pictures:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01479.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01480.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01481.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01482.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01483.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01484.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01484-1.jpg

[badgers034]

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01483-1.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01487.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01488.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01489.jpg

Also, do you guys have any suggestions for hiding all that equipment on the left of the tank?? I am baffled and I really dont like it. A sump is out of the question for now, so any suggestions? Eggcrate??

[badgers034]

I am hopefully going to move the CSS pump up higher and maybe take the PVC out and use that pump for a CLS melev style.

[GSMguy]

i think it will look better with the pvc gone and would say dont bother the css pump too much are you getting anything from the skimmer?

[badgers034]

Yes, I am getting skmmmate. Its surprisingly dark. I will take pictures next time I empty the collection cup.

[GSMguy]

your firefish is in every shot like my potters angel

[DarkXerox]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8666961#post8666961 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by badgers034
Yes, I am getting skmmmate. Its surprisingly dark. I will take pictures next time I empty the collection cup.

I know, its amazing how decent the skimmer is for how cheap it costs.

[alien9168]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8669681#post8669681 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DarkXerox
I know, its amazing how decent the skimmer is for how cheap it costs.

i completly agree!

and it olnly takes a couple days for it to tune in perfectly. :)

[GSMguy]

i wish i could do a comparison withthe css and the remora my remora skims but i think it could be better

[badgers034]

I love my CSS. It wasnt much $$, and it's skimmate is really dark. I like it alot. I really have no other skimmer to compare it to, but judging by the skimmate, its working fine. No noew updates today... I have been so busy lately with school and all. I will probably make it to the LFS tomorrow, but I have said that many times and havent gone yet. One of these days.

[badgers034]

bump

[badgers034]

about to leave for LFS.

[GSMguy]

cool look forward to something going into the tank

[badgers034]

Ok, Im going to leave in about an hour. But, I am going to go. I am hopefully going to get:
1. Kalk
2. Ca test kit
3. Zoo Frag
4. and hopefully a small cleanup crew.

[DarkXerox]

Pick up an alkalinity test too as well as a pH test kit.

[GSMguy]

i dont know that you need kalk at this point i have never used it i do use some liquid ca but you dont have any sps lps or any corals for that matter just water changes will replenish more than enough ca

[badgers034]

Ok, well I did get Kalk. Along with 5 astreas and an emerald crab. I didnt get the Ca and Alk test kit yet, but i am going to. I will not dose the kalk until I get the Ca test kit. The resason I didnt get everything I wanted was because the LFS I usually go to is closed on mondays, so I went to a different one. I am currently acclimating my snails and crab. Will take pictures as soon as they are in the tank.

[badgers034]

Well, yesterday morning I wake up and, guess what? My tank temp was at 73.5!!!!! So I am getting ready for school and I turn the heater up. Come home after school, immediately check my tank and now the temp was at 85.6! So, needless to say, I went out and ought a new heater (visitherm stealth). So far so good. Also, all my snails, crab and my firefish all survived. I really didnt think anything would survive, but they hung in there.

[GSMguy]

85 is ok i have had my tank at 84 in the summer and didnt have any death anything higher than 86 is definetly in the death range

[badgers034]

Ok, well now the tank is at 80*. I want it to stay in the 79*-81* range. I had a feeling that 85* wasnt that bad, but the 73* was what really worried me.

[badgers034]

I would take pictures of my new invertebrates, but you all know what snails look like, and my emerald crab is either really shy or still getting used to its surroundings. I saw it yesterday, but today I havent seen it. Im not too worried about that though, as I have heard of people buying crabs and seeing them about once a month only. Do you think that the emerald will start to come out more often?

[GSMguy]

i have a monster emerald crab who is out all the time roaming takes time

[badgers034]

Ok, cool. I saw him again today. I can tell by where the poo is. Hes usually hiding in a crevice of a rock. Does your emerald ever touch any of your corals?? And what do you feed it?

[GSMguy]

it is a scavenger eats what the tank makes for it they like algae but you probobly dont have any

[badgers034]

I do have some GHA, and I was wondering if it is possible to black out my tank for a few days to get rid of it?? Is that possible??

[GSMguy]

you can do that until you put corals in there so yuo might as well do it now

[badgers034]

Yea, that was what I was thinking. How long do you think I should leave my tank dark for?

[GSMguy]

till the hair algae is gone
cut down of feeding as well

[badgers034]

Ok. Im thinking that im gonna start monday and go until friday, and feed my firefish on wenesday. Do you think this sounds good?? How should I cover my tank?? Garbage bags??

[GSMguy]

something that can breathe not plastiic

[kenny77]

I don't think it will be a good idea to feed your firefish on wednesday. If you feed him monday he will ok until friday. and the hair algae won't be feed. so it won't have any source of energy during those day. just my 2 cents

[badgers034]

Ok, so what do you suggest that I use to cover my tank? Towels?? A cover??

Also, good point about the GHA not being fed.

[GSMguy]

black sheet
or sheets
fitted might work well

[badgers034]

Ok, I am probably going to put the cover on tonight.

[badgers034]

Actually, I just rea a thread about acclimating freshwater mollies to live in saltwater, and they eat HA. I am going to try this and if it doesnt work, then I always have my 125 downstairs filled with big f/w fish (an Oscar, Jack Dempsey, Severum, and Lima shovelnose to name a few:) And Im sure they would all be more than happy to enjoy a live snack.

[GSMguy]

mollies will totally eat algae then you can watch your oscar eat them in one bite a lawnmower blenny will eat hair algae as well

[badgers034]

Yeah, I am excited to get rid of the algaenaturally, but the fun part is when its all gone. I dont really want a molly in my tank, because it wont look that good compared to other s/w fish. So, when its done, thats when the real fun starts:) I actually hope my Lima Shovelnose eats it, because that is my favorite fish. When its done growing itll be anywhere from 18"-24"!! I will take pictures of the molly in my saltwater tank, and I will keep ypu posted on how things go. Also, I bought 2 mollies. And I was wondering if I should add one or both of them?? I was thinking about my bioload, and didnt really want to lose my firefish due to a high level of ammonia because of two new fish. What do you think?? Both or just one??

[GSMguy]

no bioload to worry about in a 29 from two small mollies keep your skimmer on and dont feed the tank for a few days

[badgers034]

Ok, cool. That way, if one dies, I still have the other. I cant wait to see if they are going to eat the GHA.

[GSMguy]

the dead fish would be hard on your tank if it dies get it out

[badgers034]

Yes, I know that. The last thing I want is an ammonia spike. But, I heard that bristleworms help to eat up decomposing fish, but I doubt that I have enough. BTW, would asking a LFS for a cup of their established live sand hurt my tank. Would I get an ammonia spike?

[GSMguy]

no go for it the established sand will help
i have thousands of bristle worms they are the best tank cleaners

[badgers034]

Ok, cool. I added 1 of the mollies, the other one will go in in about a half hour. I am not sure why I am not adding them at the same time. I first want to see how the first one does, to see if I should continue acclimating the second one overnight. So far, it is in the bottom left corner, which is expected.

[badgers034]

Well, today I came home from school and I noticed a big patch of the Hair Algae was gone. I guess the mollies are serving their purpose.

[badgers034]

Ok, now I am not sure if the mollies are the ones eating the algae. (I am also not sure if anyone else is paying attention to this thread). I noticed to day that my Emerald crab was demolishing the HA. The crab is like a machine. It hasnt stopped since about 2 oclock today.

[GSMguy]

the emerald crabs are good with algae you should be getting ready for another fish soon once you get rid of the mollies

[LionfishFinatic]

^^^ agree we need more updates...... get more fish, get rid of HA and get corals!!!!
























Jk take it slow.....you are doing much better than i did.....:lol:

[GSMguy]

ha lion fish and me are with you who cares if nobody else is watching
by the way you have done a great job being patient with the tank
i also think you should buy a few more pounds liverock to reseed the tank incase there was bactrerial dieoff

[LionfishFinatic]

ya i pop in and out of this thread lol but i agree you have done a great job with this tank and have come a long way. keep up the goodwork and you will have a beautiful, flourishing tank in no time at all.

[badgers034]

Ok, thanks guys. Ok, so next time I go to the LFS, I am going to get:
1. A coral (depending on if I still have HA)
2. An Alk test kit
3. A Ca test kit
4. More LR
5. A cup of live sand
6. A yellow tang and 2 Kole Tangs (Just kidding)
7. Some Nassarius Snails
8. Carbon and Phosban
9. A Phosphate Test kit

Now, I have a question. I was wondering how I should run the carbon and the phosban?? I was thinking taking eggcrate and blocking off the bottom left corner of the tank and run my carbon and Phosban there. And maybe also keep a ball of chaeton in there.

[GSMguy]

you could do that or you could use an old powerfilter to run the carbon and stuff i use an old aquaclear

[gotboostedvr6]

goodluck

[badgers034]

Yea, I might just do that.

[LionfishFinatic]

bump to keep thread alive :). Any new updates badgers034?

[badgers034]

Well, I put an old HOB filter on it. I am going to get carbon to put in that someday next week. Although, it will probably not be soon (finals). So, I probably wont update until thursday. Bump it for me if you will.

[LionfishFinatic]

fine with me ;)
bump
bump
bump
bump
bumpedy
bump
bump
bump
bump
bump
bump (again)
bump(again)(again)
bump
bump
bump
(whew i am getting tired:lol:
bump (for the last time)






PS- BUMP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[LionfishFinatic]

bump

[badgers034]

Ok, finals are over. And thanks Lionfishfanatic for bumping it up for me. My tank has been in complete darkness since monday. I am going to run carbon in the HOB filter (bio-wheel removed) hopefully today, maybe tomorrow. Depends if I can make it to the LFS. I looked the other day and still noticed that the HA was still there. I dont think its a light issue anymore, I think its a nutrient issue. Not too sure if I will be able to get rid of it and keep it gone w/o switching to RO/DI water.

[LionfishFinatic]

i run something called phosphate sponge in my tank and it seems to work well. never had a problem since then. all you do is get a filter bag and put the sponge in there (they are like little crushed up stuff) and then let it hang from the inside of your tank. also make sure it is in a high flow area so it gets spread throughout the tank. HTH

Lionfishfinatic :bum:

[badgers034]

Ok, well I did get to make it to petsmart yesterday. And I got carbon and a media bag. I filled the media bag up with about 2.5 cups of carbon and now its running in my bio-wheel filter.We'll have to see if it makes a difference. Also, how often should I replace the carbon?

[o2zen]

Pics Bump Pics... hows it looks these days?

I am about to start a BC29g myself and love how everyone is posting step by step growth images from start to finish.

[GSMguy]

oh badger you know you need ro/di tisk tisk i use the wall mart drinking water and i have no algae problems
63c a gallon i buy 6 or 12 at a time its the drinking not distilled or spring
also have used culigan self fill stations 20something a gallon

[GSMguy]

02zen i have a friend with a bio cube 29 with some great mods done to it so pm me if you want to know about it
now back to the 29
i think more pics would be good also how is the skimmer going?

[badgers034]

Ok, pictures are going to be posted tomorrow (or saturday), when I take off the covers from the tank. The skimmers doing good. Tomorrow (or saturday) will be a picture day. I will have pictures of the tank, skimmate, and tank inhabitants.

[badgers034]

Ok, I am going to go and remove the covers now. i will take of picures. I think I am only going to put the actinics on today, so I dont shock the fish.

[badgers034]

Here are some new pictures.

My firefish:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01495.jpg

Anybody have an idea as to what this thing is??
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01496.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01497.jpg
looks like some sort of worm thing to me. It has grown alot in the week my tank was covered.

FTS with flash:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01498.jpg

W/O flash, actinics only:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01499.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01500.jpg

A bad skimmate picture after 48 hrs. Theres usually more, but theres only 1 firefish and 2 mollies in the tank now, so you cant expect there to be alot of skimmate.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01501.jpg

[badgers034]

bump

[LionfishFinatic]

well i really don't know what the worm like thing but it doesn't seem like it is hurting anything right now so it can't be that bad. just keep it away from all of your other live rock so it doesn't spread throughout the tank and cause any problems.

i might be starting a thread on my 29 g soon since i am getting ready for a light this xmas :). of course the difference between mine and yours is mine has been up and running for 3 years as a FOWLR. all i have to do now is find out what to do with my chocolate chip starfish.

your tank looks good though! keep up the good work :thumbsup:

[badgers034]

Ok, cool. I cant wait to see the progression of your tank. The white worm thing just kinda sits there. I am just going to leave it in the tank. Also, I still have those 2 mollies, and I want them out of the tank. How should I go about doing this?? Theres so much rock and they just dart into and out of it. Is there some sort of DIY trap I could try?

[LionfishFinatic]

Bump

[lisaFL]

Hey,
I think it might be a sponge, i had a couple of those in my 10g. They won't hurt anything.
How long has ur tank been set up? Since september right? Cool tank! I like the aquascaping.

[badgers034]

Ok, thanks for the compliment lisa. I am going to move that piece of LR back onto my aquascape and off of the sand.

[GSMguy]

i think it could be a type of aptaisia can you take a better shot of that thing its not a sponge for sure but could be some kind of pest anemone if you keep it around atleast you know that its alive and healthy
nice work

[badgers034]

I will try and get a better shot of the anenome/sponge/tubeworm/creature thing. I definately dont want it to be an aiptasia, although I am not sure that it is. It is not symmetrical like the aiptasia I have seen in pictures. Like the tentacles kind of all branch out, then the branches somewhat branch out. Its very strange. Also today, I noticed that there was a hole kinda eaten through it. The "creature" is about the diameter of a quarter, and the hole is about the size of a pencil eraser. Can it be a mouth?? Can it be somtehing eating it?? I am not too sure...

[LionfishFinatic]

it could be a rock anemone (pest) or just a plain old tubeworm. a better picture is a must. definitely not a sponge though i might be wrong. HTH

[badgers034]

Ok, I will definately try and get a better picture.

[badgers034]

Well, my camera is broke, so I wont have any new pictures anytime soon. I probably will in about a week, so hang tight. Also, I was researching and looking at pictures of anenomes, and I am almost 99% sure that it is not an anenome. Also, I have a question. I cannot get those D*MN mollies out of my tank... I really do not want to rip apart my aquascaping. Do you guys think there is a way to get rid of them. I am already at the point when I want to add my 2 clowns, but I dont want to mess with my bioload, and have 5 fish in there. Everytime I walk into the room the mollies dart into the rockwork. Should I wait for them to get accustomed to the tank and used to me before I attempt to get them out?? Should I get them out before I get the clown pair??

[badgers034]

Today, I got fed up while looking at my tank. My eyes always ended up drifting over to the left side of the tank, AKA: the ugly side. It has all the equipment, but worst of all, it has that ugly white PVC. So I took out the pump and made it into a closed loop. I put the pump on a platform that hangs off the back of the tank made for air pumps. It worked great when just fitted together, but, as expected there were microbubbles. So, I glued everything together, and now it is drying. How long should I let it dry?? Overnight? I am so glad that I did this. My tank looks 100 times better. I cant wait until I get rod of that big clunky bubble diffuser, and mod the CSS output into PVC, and use the Mag-drive pump sponge for a bubble diffuser.

[badgers034]

Well, the CL is all plumbed, but there are tons of... MICROBUBBLES. They are pouring out of the output of my pump, its terrible. I also dont know where they are coming from. I glued all the PVC together, and used that white tape (teflon tape I think) on all the threaded fittings.. My guess is the intake of my Quiet One pump. Any suggestions on how to get rid of them?

[LionfishFinatic]

sounds good so far. maybe to get the mollies out you could feed the tank and scoop them out when the get to the top to eat it.

[badgers034]

But the problem is that they never go to the top. They are always in the rockwork. Also, today I found one of them dead, and half eaten. I am not sure why it died... And, I havent seen my firefish in like 3 days now and am starting to think it jumped out. Would I smell it if it jumped out?? Because I do not smell anything.

[LionfishFinatic]

what do you think ate the molly? hmm.............. do you here any clicking sounds anytime you turn off the light at night or in the morning when you turn it on? you might have a mantis or the worm like thing is eating them. i would take the worm out just in case.....

PS i got my first coral yesterday......! green zoanthids. they were the prettiest ones in my lfs believe it or not and the least expensive. My LFS is selling pulsing xenia frags 45 bucks each! Well HTH,

[GSMguy]

so in my opinion your skimmer will always put bubbles ito the tank without the diffuser that is why i said dont get it 8 pages ago sorry.
the mollies will not mess with your bioload and i think your firefish is a carpet surfer the smell of a tiny fish would be small
go ahead and get the clowns glad you are trying to make the tank look better
the idea that corraline was going to cover everything is kind of a pipe dream
i doubt you have a mantis as you only put 2 pounds of live rock in you would have seen it
also did you add any crabs because they could have eaten your fish after it died dont be afraid to take out the rock at least then you will know what is in the tank

good luck with the tank

[badgers034]

Lionfish:
I dont hear any clicking in the tank either at night or in the morning. I just think that the molly died and my emerald crab was eating it after it died. Congrats on getting your first coral, let me know how it goes.

GSMguy:
I do use the diffuser and there are no bubbles in the tank. If I do mod the output to PVC and use a mag drive sponge, I will let you know how it goes. Also, its been about 5 days now and still no firefish. IMO, its gone. Ok, I am mostlikely going to get the clowns this week. And, yes I do have an emerald crab, and I am pretty sure he was just scavenging and didnt actually kill the fish. I am starting to theink if my intake killed it. Because I just had a piece of PVC running into my tank with no holes drilled into it, and I am wondering if it got sucked up against the intake and died.

[GSMguy]

i have a giant emerald and he does not try to eat fish but will snack on a dead fish when there is one so that is what probobly happened
as long as you have no bubbles i would be happy
you are probobly right about what happened to the firefish and the intake they are curious
what kind of clowns that is the best part picking the clowns i would suggest maroon of course,or
true percs they are my favs also i like skunk clowns for their calm demeanor
glad you are not freaking out about the missing fish it will work out

[badgers034]

The clowns will be oscellaris or Perculas. They both look the same to me. I am not too concerned about the firefish because it wasnt really in my stocking plans, so now that its gone it kinda frees up a space for another fish. I was thinking about slowly stocking my tank until I have these fish in it:

2x Tank Raised Perculas
1x Six Line Wrasse
I will see how I like it then, and if I want another fish it will probably be a blenny or a goby of some sort.

[badgers034]

Also, I was wondering about the clown pair dividing up territory in my tank and attacking any other fish that I will eventually try to put in. Would this happen??

[badgers034]

Ok, time for some pictures:
FTS with flash:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01517.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01519.jpg

Worm thing:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01521.jpg

Closed Loop Plumbing:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e328/badgers034/DSC01520.jpg

Like I said, I am down to one fish (freshwater black molly). Hopefully I will soon get a clownfish for my tank.

[badgers034]

bump.

[BLKTANG]

Is that a cyano outbreak i c? On your sandbed.


Or is the tank cycling?

[badgers034]

the tank is still somewhat new. I set it up on like september 18 (I think). So, I am hoping that it is just a cycle.

[GSMguy]

i think you should have more flow from some powerheads that may help with the cyano

[badgers034]

Yea, I know. I will eventually get more flow if the Cyano doesnt disappear. My dad doesnt want more electricity by my tank, so Ill just "secretly" upgrade my Q1 1200 to a Q1 4000.

[GSMguy]

or just get a 7w tunze nano stream

[badgers034]

Eh, too much $$. I might consider it. I am really looking to start getting corals, but first I wanna get my clown pair. I am thinking about getting a mushroom as my first coral.

[cubanheat1]

i just got my seio 620 on my 29g.it does give flow but not as much as i thought. My friend who has a few seio's told me because of its larger output it gives a wider range,so the flow is disperst rapidly.Im thinking of getting a 820 or1100 for the other side.Its mostly going to be a sps dominated tank with a few softies. ive got great lighting i want great flo so any suggestions?

[GSMguy]

cubanheat i would get a tunze nano stream 6055 that will give you tons of flow or a 6045

[sir_dudeguy]

I have not been following this thread for about 2 months lol, but cubanheat....i'd say for a 29, get a seio 620 on each end. I got one in my 40 and i love it. I'm just waiting for some cash before i get 2 for my 29. They will be the only flow.

But wide flow like those put out is much better than any other maxi-jet-type flow anyways...those are all focussed and very violent

[badgers034]

No new updates, just bumping.